August 2017 ///

Special Focus

Ultra-HPHT wells are challenging the limits of tubular performance, in terms of metallurgy and threaded connections. But higher pressures and temperatures are only part of the challenge. Carbon steel, hot-rolled chromium-based stainless steel, and cold-hardened materials are all options that must be considered to optimize economics in ultra-HPHT applications.

Early subsea wells used API drill pipe, which was available on the rig, to land production tubing and completion equipment from the surface vessel to the subsea wellhead. As total depths approached 30,000 ft, pressures increased beyond the capacity of standard API drill pipe and rotary-shouldered connections with gas-tight, metal-to-metal seals. This led to the development of dedicated completion tubulars, starting in the early 2000s, but further improvements were still possible.

Despite less than ideal oil prices, operators are proceeding with multiple field projects offshore Newfoundland, given their long timeframes. The exploration side of the local industry is also active, while provincial officials consider the next role for the long-serving, Bull Arm fabrication site.

In 2014, the Scottish government created the Oil and Gas Innovation Centre (OGIC), as part of a greater £120-million technology development program. OGIC is part of the UK and Scottish government’s rapidly evolving support for oil and gas exploration. To date, the organization has funded over 40 projects, valued at over £2.5 million ($3.25 million).

Advances in inflatable tools have enabled operators to rely on the technology throughout the life of a well. They can be configured as a packer or a bridge plug, be permanent or retrievable, and provide single-set or multi-set functioning. Because inflatables can have an OD two-to-three times the run-in diameter, they have a distinct advantage over conventional tools.

As U.S. unconventional gas producers gear up to export LNG, one of their biggest competitors is a huge offshore natural gas field that straddles the international boundary in the Persian (Arabian) Gulf between Qatar and Iran.

In a book described as “geek humor at its finest,” Spurious Correlations takes a look at data obsession and conspiracy theories through wacky attempts at drawing a linear link between the statistically debunked correlation and causation relationship.